Children from the International Community Fellowships Kids Club at Hurstville have been in Christmas mode for quite a while.
They have been packing shoe boxes with goodies to brighten the lives of children who are victims of war, poverty and natural disasters.
The Hurstville community contributed close to 1000 boxes last year — adding to the 316,323 given by Australians and New Zealanders and distributed to 130 countries.
The boxes are part of Operation Christmas Child, organised by Samaritans Purse International, and coordinated on the local level by International Community Fellowship which is asking the community to contribute.
Hurstville project coordinator, Dr Winston Gauder, said that students from five schools in the Hurstville area would be working as class groups to ‘‘touch the hearts of hurting children in a very practical way’’.
‘‘Parents see this project as a way of teaching their children gratitude for the blessings we all enjoy in this great country and reach out in a practical way by filling a simple shoe box with simply gifts of love,’’ Dr Gauder said.
For families keen to do their bit, he suggests covering an average-size shoe box and lid with colourful paper and filling it with something to love, to play with, to wear, to write or draw or personal items.
Some items are excluded because of customs and health regulations: food, lollies, medicines, vitamins, toothpaste, soft gels or liquids.
Place the boy/girl label on the box and tick the age group of the child.
To add a personal touch you can include a photo, a drawing or a little message.
If possible, include your gift of $9 in a sealed envelope marked ‘‘shipping cost’’.
The drop-off point for the boxes — the Community Centre at 91 Queens Road — will be open each Sunday from 9am to 1.30pm until November 16.
More details and suggestions on what items to include when packing and labelling your shoe boxes, call Dr Winston Gauder, 9773 3812, or visit www.icfbetterlife.com